Law Reform (Marriage and Divorce) Act 1976 · Updated to 15 Dec 2018 · Part VIII · Protection of Children
93. Power for court to order maintenance for children
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The court may order a man to pay maintenance for his child. Grounds include not providing reasonably for the child, deserting his wife who has the child, and ongoing marriage cases. A woman may also be ordered to help support her child, if her means make this reasonable. Payment may go to the child's custodian, carer or trustees.
Summary · Drafted with AI, checked against the official text on 30 Sep 2026.
The court may at any time order a man to pay maintenance for the benefit of his child—
court
“court” means the High Court or a Judge thereof or, where a Sessions Court Judge has jurisdiction by virtue of subsection (2), the Sessions Court or a Sessions Court Judge of that Court;
if he has refused or neglected reasonably to provide for the child;
if he has deserted his wife and the child is in her charge;
during the pendency of any matrimonial proceedings; or
when making or subsequent to the making of an order placing the child in the custody of any other person.
The court shall have the corresponding power to order a woman to pay or contribute towards the maintenance of her child where it is satisfied that having regard to her means it is reasonable so to order.
child
“child” has the meaning of “child of the marriage” as defined in section 2 who is under the age of eighteen years. Power for court to make order for custody
An order under subsection (1) or (2) may direct payment to the person having custody or care and control of the child or trustees for the child.